Community Corner

Hundreds of community members gathered on Sunday morning, December 7, at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst for the Annual Shalom Task Force Brunch, an event that highlighted the community’s steadfast commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and promoting healthy relationships within the Jewish community. The morning brought together leaders, advocates, students, and supporters in a powerful show of unity for Shalom Task Force’s vital mission. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful and lasting change takes form with a supportive community.

With stories compiled by BYQ staff and students, past and present

 Sometimes a gem lies in our midst for so long that we grow accustomed to its glow; only when its setting stands empty do we recognize the full brilliance it cast all along. Queens has been crowned with a jewel so dazzling and radiant that its light continues to shine – not despite her absence, but because her brilliance was powerful enough to leave a lasting glow. Queens, and more specifically the Bais Yaakov Academy of Queens, was blessed with the presence of Morah Binah Kasirer a”h for nearly four decades. During that time, countless students, teachers, and staff members were uplifted simply by standing close to her warmth, clarity, and sparkle.

The serene beach and rolling waves provided the ideal backdrop for the 11th annual Emet Outreach Fellowship Alumni Couples Retreat. Held over Thanksgiving weekend at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, New Jersey, the retreat brought together more than 300 Emet alumni and staff for a Shabbos of connection, learning, and renewal. Centered around the theme “Reaching Higher,” the retreat fostered spiritual and marital growth by blending meaningful Torah learning with reflective sessions and a range of enriching activities.

Every Friday morning, after davening in Morah Kasirer’s homeroom class, was set aside as a time for all of us to share hashgachah pratis stories that we experienced over the week. Our class enjoyed this time a lot and naturally began to look out for and notice the hashgachah in our lives so we could share it with the class – and, of course, take as much class time as we could doing so. Morah Kasirer always patiently gave us all the time we wanted, because to her — and eventually to us as well – talking about Hashem’s hashgachah was never a waste of time.

On Sunday evening, December 7, The Sands in Atlantic Beach filled with mispalelim, alumni, rabbanim, neighbors, and friends who gathered to celebrate a milestone almost unheard of in contemporary Jewish life: 50 years of leadership - by HaRav Noach Isaac Oelbaum at Khal Nachlas Yitzchok.

It’s been a full year since you’ve left,

Got called to Shamayim, the Olam HaEmes.

You thought your absence wouldn’t be felt,

But the weight of your loss is strongly dealt.